COBIT: how will this methodology optimize your IT management?
Information management is one of the most important tools for any company because that’s what ensures that the right decisions are made. With information technology this is no different and having IT governance is critical to reducing risks and achieving more favorable results, aligned to the goals of the company. To ensure governance, COBIT is the main set of tools. Find out how its use can optimize your IT management, by reading this post!
What is COBIT?
COBIT is the acronym for “Control Objectives for Information and related Technology” and that, in practice, means a structure able to provide IT governance. This structure was created by ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association) and its main objective is to generate value for the company and its processes.
How does COBIT work?
COBIT works through applying various information control practices, ranging from planning to monitoring results. Thus, generally speaking, COBIT starts by establishing best practices in IT governance that are in line with the objectives of the company.
From there, there is a description of the processes, including planning, implementation and monitoring of the IT processes. The control objectives are also established which should be specific to the needs of each company.
The evaluation of the models and processes is also important to correct non-conformities and, in general, the management may be assisted with a guide of good practices that helps, for example, in the delegation of tasks and in the evaluation of the interaction between processes.
What are the use and the benefits of COBIT?
The main objective of COBIT is, of course, IT governance, but it also serves to give attention to the focus of the business, rather than just focusing on the IT services as a whole.
It increases IT efficiency
While ensuring that the efficiency of information technology can be controlled properly, changes can be made when necessary — that is, when the IT practices are not meeting the needs and goals of the company. With this, IT becomes much more efficient and aligned with what the company really needs.
It improves security of information
With more control methods and good practices, information security is also improved, since there are minor risks of data compromise, for example.
It optimizes your IT investments
With the use of COBIT it is also possible to optimize IT investments, since managers can have a much more comprehensive view of the impact of IT in the organization, besides identifying opportunities for improvements.
It creates a common language
Communication also happens to receive benefits from the use of COBIT, since a unique language among executives, managers and professionals is created, allowing for the results to be evaluated and audited in a much simpler way.
Why is COBIT 5 the most used version?
COBIT 5 has this name because it is based on 5 main steps:
1. Identification of the company’s needs;
2. Implementation of a complete solution;
3. Application of a simple and integrated structure;
4. Integrated communication and understanding;
5. Separation between governance and management.
This is the most used version because it really ensures greater governance, not leaving it only in theory. Since it is a sustainable platform of actions, governance is achieved and maintained in a real way. In addition, using COBIT 5 also decreases the risk of implementing IT, besides optimizing the use of resources. The implementation of these practices also ensures more support for decision making, in addition to an efficient application of technology to process improvements.
COBIT is a set of fundamental practices to ensure IT governance and therefore improve management. Used in the correct way, COBIT provides more security and support to decision-making processes, facilitating communication and improving the results.
